3 Confidence Hacks to Stop Playing Small
Do you sometimes catch yourself shrinking back when you should be anything but holding back?
Maybe it’s hesitating to take up space in a room, second-guessing yourself before speaking up, or feeling awkward in front of a camera.
I get it—we’ve all been there.
But here’s the thing:
You are meant to be seen. You are enough exactly as you are.
And the world needs you to stop playing small.
As a photographer, I see this all the time—women come into my studio unsure of themselves, but leave standing taller, glowing from the inside out.
Confidence isn’t something you’re just born with—it’s something you build.
And today, I want to share three simple but powerful ways to start stepping into your confidence, both in front of the camera and in everyday life.
#1 - Change Your Self-Talk
Start being aware of your self-talk and don’t beat yourself up if it’s mostly negative.
Start speaking to yourself like you would your best friend.
Try replacing "I’m not good enough" with "I'm learning, growing, and showing up as my best self."
Your words shape your reality. If you spoke to your best friend the way you speak to yourself, would she still want to be around you?
The way we talk to ourselves matters.
Instead of saying:
"I’m not photogenic."
"I need to lose weight before I do this."
"I’m not good enough."
Try this instead:
"I deserve to be seen and celebrated exactly as I am."
"My body is worthy of love at every stage."
"I am more than enough, just as I am."
Your brain listens and starts to believe what you tell it.
Change the story, and you change how you see yourself.
#2 - Own Your Space
Confidence isn’t about looking perfect—it’s about presence.
Whether you’re in a meeting, walking into a room, or even in front of a camera - practice standing tall, taking up space, and not apologizing for being seen.
Confidence isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence.
Start practicing owning your space.
It might not be comfortable at first and so you keep practicing until it is.
-Stand tall.
-Uncross your arms.
-Take a deep breath and believe that you belong.
When I photograph my clients, I guide them into poses that help them feel powerful and self-assured.
But the real transformation happens when they see themselves and think, Wow, that’s me?!
They realize confidence isn’t about changing themselves—it’s about embracing themselves.
#3 - See Yourself Through a New Lens
What if you could see yourself the way others do?
That’s exactly what I help my clients do—step into their power, own their beauty, and finally recognize they are more than enough.
We are our own worst critics. You might focus on every little “flaw,” but I promise you—that’s not what others see.
In fact, no one sees them but you.
One of my favorite moments in the studio is when a client sees their images for the first time.
The look of surprise, the happy tears, the "I can’t believe that’s me!"—it’s everything.
Because it is you. It’s just a version of yourself you haven’t let yourself see before.
So here’s my challenge for you:
Stop waiting for the “right time” to see yourself the way you deserve to.
Stop waiting until you lose weight, get a new job, or feel more “ready.”
You are already worthy of being seen, celebrated, and confident—right now.
It’s just not something that may yet be comfortable, and it just takes practice and a willingness to be open to seeing yourself in a new way.
Ready to step into your confidence?
I’m here to support you every step of the way! My studio is a safe, empowering space where you can rediscover yourself and finally see what the world sees—your beauty, your strength, and your power.
From the moment you step into my studio, I’ll help you feel comfortable, confident, and truly seen.
You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do—that’s my job. I’ll be there to direct, encourage, and create an experience that allows you to relax and embrace the moment.
You’ll never feel lost or unsure because I’ll make sure you feel at ease, helping you bring out the most authentic, beautiful version of yourself.
All you have to do is show up—I'll take care of the rest.